Residencial Hispaniola in Sosua

I am giving some thought to building a small 2 BR villa in Residencial Hispaniola in Sosua. Basically I am looking for a modern, well-constructed house or condo in a gated community, within walking distance of the Supermercado and Playa Sosua. 1000 - 1200 square feet would be ideal. 24 hour security. Would appreciate any input regarding this project. Muchas gracias

Constant supervision by an onsite contractor during all phases of construction is the only way to ensure that work done meets a desired standard of quality and workmanship in this country.

-wiring and piping needs to be run in a chase to be accessible later on
-proper gauge wire and correct circuit breaker for the circuit
-lots of small earthquakes in this area. Proper site preparation is needed before construction starts
-The consistent quality of poured concrete needs to be tested for each truck
etc

The construction industry here bears zero resemblance to the standards and quality foreigners have come to take for granted. There are no electrical, plumbing, structural inspections here so in essence, it is up to you to confirm, that you are getting what you are paying for and that the structure remains sound and serviceable into the future.

It's p.i.a to tear open a wall to fix a leaking plastic pipe or run a new wire. Consider installing the cabling and connections for house wide internet and cable tv during construction rather than needing a hardwired connection in a bedroom or office later on. If you can afford it, minimize the use of rigid plastic plumbing pipes. Ensure the use and accessibility of isolation and shut off valves for everything. Ensure the electrical system is properly grounded. Small things overlooked during construction can be a real problem later on. Insist that the roof is properly strapped to the supporting walls. The list goes on and on, thus the need for a knowledgeable contractor that shares you keenness for the details being onsite while all of this comes together.

A good building starts with the architect and design engineer. The plans need to reflect every aspect and feature of the construction you are hoping to incorporate into the final dwelling and someone to ensure that the plans are followed which is not guaranteed here when workers are left on their own to "get it done".

I rented a villa there for a week a couple years ago. It was nice, quiet and seemed to be well managed. I would consider buying an existing house as Windguy is right. If you can't babysit these guys it probably won't work out as you had hoped

...and make sure the house plan calls for an airspace between the exterior roof and the interior ceilings of the living area to help dissipate daytime heating by providing adequate active and passive ventilation.

...and make sure the house plan calls for an airspace between the exterior roof and the interior ceilings of the living area to help dissipate daytime heating by providing adequate active and passive ventilation.

All of their in-house plans are min slope 4:12 concrete roofs with a tile covering, and most of the interior ceilings are cathedral. The tiles keep the direct sun off the concrete. It'd be easy to add ventilation at the peaks if one wanted it. I've been in a few of their homes and they are pretty comfortable without AC. Being up on the hill and catching a breeze thru open windows helps of course.

Please have the contractor put pvc pipe in. When run your water, hot and cold thru using flex pipe in the pvc.. If you have a leak, you just pull it out and fix or change it. Same with the elect. Make sure the wiring is diff. color. They buy 1 roll and use it till it's gone. Just a pain. It doesn't cost that much more. You should have someone you trust to watch. It will payoff in the long run. Good luck.